Keywords

Multiple Sclerosis(MS), Edge-centric, Network analysis, Brain Functional Connectivity

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroimmune disorder characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration, leading to a variety of cognitive and motor impairments. As of early 2024, there is no cure for MS; however, certain medications have been shown to significantly alleviate symptoms and slow the disease's progression. The impact of MS and its treatments on brain functional connectivity, particularly on fMRI data, remains largely unexplored. In our study, we examined the differential effects of two medications prescribed for MS-Interferon Beta and Dimethyl Fumarate-on functional brain connectivity. Employing both edge-centric and traditional node-based analyses, we aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of brain connectivity in patients with MS. This study utilized data from 107 well-functioning relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and 62 healthy controls to identify significant changes in various brain networks influenced by each medication. Hub analysis, leveraging centrality metrics from node-based analysis and measures such as community overlap, entropy, co-fluctuation, and edge strength from edge-based analyses, was conducted. Alterations in different brain networks, such as the somatomotor, attention, and visual networks, were observed through network analysis for each group. These variations underscore the brain's compensatory mechanisms in individuals with multiple sclerosis, highlighting its adaptive response to different treatments. This suggests potential biomarkers for assessing the impact of treatment and paves the way for the classification of multiple sclerosis and healthy controls.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Karwowski, Waldemar

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Industrial Engineering and Management System

Format

application/pdf

Language

English

Rights

In copyright

Release Date

November 2025

Length of Campus-only Access

1 year

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Campus-only Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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Restricted to the UCF community until November 2025; it will then be open access.

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